Geo, Jang Group offers to appear before Judicial Commission

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s largest media group, Jang/Geo, on Wednesday welcomed the constitution of the Judicial Commission to probe the alleged rigging in the general election held in May 2013 and offered itself for any inquiry into allegations that it had played some role in rigging the elections 2013.
Mir Ibrahim Rahman, Chief Executive of the Independent Media Corporation, offered to appear before the Judicial Commission and face any question or evidence from any of the persons who have been publicly and maliciously targeting the Group on baseless grounds.
The Group authorised Abdul Qayyum Siddiqui, Special Correspondent Geo News, who presented before the Judicial Commission secretary an application on the behalf of Jang and Geo Group.
“As Chief Executive of Geo News, I was personally supervising the elections transmission of Geo, and I take full responsibility for our Group’s coverage of the general elections. Indeed, if any such charge is proved before the commission, I am ready for any punishment deemed fit under the law,” Mir Ibrahim Rahman wrote.
He further submitted that they would really appreciate if the Commission orders issuance of public notices, inviting evidence of their Group’s alleged involvement in any election rigging or in any conspiracy to rig the polls.
“Our conscience is clear; we are keen to defend our position and to prove our innocence beyond any shadow of doubt,” Mir Ibrahim submitted, adding that their credibility is of utmost value to them professionally. He said that Geo and the Jang Group do not have any other business besides media, and they are not just the largest but also the oldest and the most independent media organisation in Pakistan.
He further submitted that in modern constitutional democracies, independent media is seen as a vital fourth pillar of the State, adding that it is in the public interest that the commission either holds the largest media group responsible for the crime of rigging or to exonerates it from malicious allegations.
“I would appreciate if the commission may kindly summon me to face any question or evidence from any of the persons who have been publicly and maliciously targeting our Group on the baseless allegations,” Mir Ibrahim concluded.The first hearing of the Judicial Commission in the open court will take place today (Thursday).